World Rugby Sevens Series defending champions Australia rallied from behind twice to deny Kenya Sevens their first win of the 2022-2023 season after holding Shujaa to a 19-19 draw in the Dubai Sevens opener played at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.
Shujaa stormed to a 14-7 lead at the break when Herman Humwa and Billy “The Kid” Odhiambo landed as Anthony Omondi added the extras.
Josh Turner pulled one for Australia, who were fresh from winning in Hong Kong. Maurice Longbottom made the conversation as Australia trailed at the break.
Dietrich Roache converted Henry Paterson’s try to level 14-14 only for Kenya to hit back.
William “Lomu” Ambaka’s try put Kenya back in the lead to 19-14 only for Longbottom’s try to deny Shujaa their first win of the series.
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Shujaa will take on Dubai Sevens defending champions South Africa in their second match at 2.20pm before wrapping up their pool outing against Great Britain at 7.18pm.
In the other Pool “A” outing, Great Britain stunned South Africa 14-5.
After a winless run during the season-opening Hong Kong Sevens last month, Kenya needed a bright start and despite going 14-7 up at the break, they could not edge out the high-flying Aussies who also won the Hong Kong leg.